Title:Using Natural Compounds to Target KRAS Mutated Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Volume: 28
Issue: 39
Author(s): Mahruba Sultana Niloy, Md. Salman Shakil, Md. Meharab Hassan Alif and Rhonda J. Rosengren*
Affiliation:
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Otago, Dunedin,New Zealand
Keywords:
KRAS, NSCLC, phytochemicals, cell signaling, cell cycle, and apoptosis.
Abstract: Approximately 85% of all lungs cancer cases are classified as non-small cell
lung cancer (NSCLC). Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) viral oncogene homolog mutations
frequently occur in NSCLC patients resulting in a decreased overall survival. Additionally,
currently used chemotherapeutic drugs lack selectivity,and patients experience side effects.
Therefore, potent therapeutic agents are urgently needed for these patients. Plant-
based compounds could be a potential option to treat KRAS-mutated NSCLC. These
compounds are reported to be effective against the KRAS-linked up-stream and downstream
signaling pathways that are directly or indirectly linked with cell proliferation, division,
and apoptosis. Additionally, plant phytochemicals also suppressed different cell
cycle phases of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cells. Furthermore, phytochemicals have a wider
therapeutic index compared to chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, phytochemicals could
benefit NSCLC patients as sole agents or as a combination therapy with approved chemotherapies.
The current review aims to summarize the potential benefit of natural compounds
in KRAS-mutant NSCLC.
